Portugal: Sintra

[bjorn]

The British poet Lord Byron called Sintra a "glorious Eden," but don't take his word for it. Sintra is nestled in a lush forest at the base of a misty mountain, not far from the coast.

It's got palaces and parks, fine mansions and quiet convents, churches, chapels, hermitages and chalets. It's a historic Disneyland, with quirky castles, cute shops, lovely, romantic gardens and camera-happy tourists.

Perhaps Sintra is like the Garden of Eden.

It's perfect in many ways. Photo-snappers have plenty to shoot. Shoppers can explore the little crafts shops and boutiques. Hikers can climb the ramparts of the Moorish Castle and explore the craggy hills and trails surrounding the Pena Palace. Despite the crowds of tourists, it's easy to find a quiet spot to picnic or people watch.

When to go:
Portugal's climate is Mediterranean. Sintra is sunny and pleasant from April to October.

What to Do:
Sintra, with its forests, romantic gardens and quirky castles, is the perfect day trip from Lisbon. It is home to two highlights of Portuguese architecture--the 15th-century Palacio Nacional and the wacky 19th-century Palacio Nacional da Pena.

History/Ruins:
The scenic ascent to the Castelo dos Mouros climbs one of the highest peaks in the Sintra Range. You can take a cab to the castle, but you'll still have to walk part of the way to see the ruins and the breathtaking view of the coast and Pena Palace.

Museums:
Must-sees include the Palacio Nacional, and Palacio Pena. Other museums to check out include the Museu de Arte Moderna, the Toy Museum, and the Convento dos Capuchos (just outside of town), with its tiny rock cells lined with cork.

Shopping:
Sintra is a touristy little village, so you'll find plenty of postcards, t-shirts, and knickknacks. Pottery, ceramics, tiles, rugs, lace and embroidery are local specialties.

Food/Culinary Info:
Queijadas (cheese tarts) are a regional delicacy.

Natural Wonders:
Monserrate has a lush, beautifully landscaped garden. The Pena Palace Park below the palace is also a good place to see local flora.

Festivals/Events:
Culture lovers flock to the Sintra Romantic Music Festival in June and the Ballet festival in July.

Cost:
Sintra is a pleasant place to stay while taking day trips to Mafra (to see the Palacio Nacional de Mafra) or Ericeria (to enjoy the world-class surf beach). If you decide to stay, the Pousada da Juventude de Sintra is wonderful. Set in a flowering meadow, it offers an amazing mountain top view of Sintra and the ocean.

Getting Around:
The woodsy mountain oasis of Sintra is a 45 minute train ride from Lisbon's Rossio Station. Trains run every fifteen minutes from 6am to 2am.

Safety:
Theft is an issue in Sintra. Be aware of your belongings and keep money in a safe spot.

Language:
Portuguese is the native language in Portugal. Spanish, French or Italian speakers will find it easy to learn some basic phrases. Hotels, restaurants and museums have someone on hand who speaks English, but it is good to pick up some basic phrases in Portuguese.

Party/Social Scene:
Some people say Sintra is their favorite town in Portugal. It's a pleasant place to hang out, especially if you are interested in palaces, museums or hiking. If you are staying the night, know that Sintra is pretty dead after dark.

Other Info:
Click here for weather forecast from Weather.com.